Three teens put the needs of homeless dogs and cats ahead of birthday gifts, according to Gaston County police.

Authorities said twins Claire and Camille Weiss were planning their 13th birthday party and decided that instead of receiving gifts, they would help others. The sisters, students at Cramerton Middle School, chose the Gaston County Animal Shelter as the beneficiary.

With the help of friend Lucas Larrazabal, a student at Grier Middle School, they sent out birthday party invitations with a message, “In lieu of gifts, please bring a bag of dog or cat food for the Gaston County Animal Shelter.”

The teens collected more than 700 pounds of food for dogs and cats to give to the animal shelter.